The Iowa State football team succeeded despite a rash of injuries at linebacker last season. The bright side is now that position group is deep with experienced players. Cael Brezina was forced into action early in his freshman season and made seven starts while battling injuries of his own.

Brezina stepped in after Caleb Bacon was injured in the season opener against North Dakota and Brezina credits Bacon for preparing him to step into the lineup.

Coming off a school record 11 wins confidence is high but Brezina says the Cyclones lost a lot of leadership from last season.

Iowa State opens August 23rd in Dublin, Ireland against Kansas State.